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Junior Division Rules (2nd & 3rd Grade) 

  1. GYM: 
    1. Minimum dimensions of 74ft x 42ft with 8-foot baskets (adjustable to maximum  9-foot later in the season)
    2. Height by week, please adjust for practices the week prior to games)
      1. Date Goal Height
        Dec-9 8"0
        Dec-16 8"0
        Jan-6 8"3
        Jan-20 8"3
        Jan-27 8"6
        Feb-3 8"6
        Feb-10 8"9
        Feb-24 8"9
        Mar-2 9"0
        Mar-9 9"0
  2. BALLSIZE: 
    1. 27.5” (Junior / Size 5)
  3. GAME TIME:
    1. All games must start on time. Quarters/Half breaks are kept to a minimum to allow the next game to start on time.
    2. 10 minute quarters. The clock will continue to run with exception of the last 2 minutes of the 2nd and 4th quarters, timeouts, foul shots, injuries and the official’s discretion.
    3. Four 30-second timeouts per game. More will result in a technical foul - resulting in 2 foul shots and loss of possession.
    4. There are no overtime periods.  Games will end in a tie. 
  4. SUBSTITUTIONS:
    1. Playing time must be equally divided and playing matrix must submitted at the end of every game.  Coaches failing to submit a matrix or submitting one not aligned to scorers table tracking will be subject to corrective actions at the discretion of the board
    2. Coaches must substitute halfway through each quarter at the 5 min. mark, the referee will signal for subs. 
    3. Coaches may only substitute players other than at the 5:00 minute substitution break due to an injury or illness.
    4. No players may play more than 15 minutes in a half unless the team only has 6 or fewer available players.
    5. Coaches are encouraged take a few seconds to match players up by skill level before each start, and to make sure players know who they are covering. 
  5. DEFENSE:
    1. In the first 3 games, only a 2-3 zone defense is required. Starting in game 4, man-to-man defense is required.
    2. Defenses must stay below the “volleyball line” and Offenses must "actively attack", no hiding behind the volleyball line.
    3. No double-teaming above the free throw line extended.
    4. No stealing allowed. Intercepting of passes is allowed. Stress no contact, no slapping the ball, no grabbing the ball from someone. 
    5. Hands Up / Hands Out Defense.  Arms and hands must be held straight up or out to the side when engaging offensive players.  Teach avoidance of hovering over shooters
    6. Fast breaks will be allowed during the last 2 minutes of the 2nd and 4th quarters. 
    7. No back court defense. The point guard will be allowed to cross mid court without being defended to allow offensive development.
    8. No Full court press is allowed.
  6. FREE THROWS:
    1. Attempted from the foul line, or a closer distance suitable for the shooter’s ability.
    2. No more than 6 players line the lane (4 defensive, 2 offensive alternating), All other players must be behind the free-throw line extended and behind the top of the free throw line circle.
    3. Players lining the lane may move into the lane upon the shooter’s release. The shooter and other players may not cross the free-throw line until the ball hits the rim or a shot is made. 
  7. REFEREES:
    1. Certified and non-certified referees will officiate the games. 
    2. Please encourage them and understand that they are young adults doing the best of their ability to call the game. Their primary concern is to allow the kids to play, provide some instruction and keep the games under control. 
  8. RULES:
    1. NJSIAA basketball rules apply, with consideration given to the age and skill level of these players.
    2. Players are disqualified upon their 5th personal foul. (Unless only 5 players at time of foul-out or occurring later due to injury, leaving early). Fouls carry into overtime.
    3. 2 FT's will be awarded on the 5th foul on per quarter.  (This new 2023 HS rule maybe adjusted after 3rd week of games based on impact to play)
    4. Offensive team must get the ball over half court within 10 seconds.
    5. Passing from frontcourt to backcourt results in a turnover, except on inbound passes.
    6. The alternating possession arrow is in effect.
    7. Any team dominating play (eg. winning by more than 10 points) is expected to exhibit good sportsmanship by reducing the intensity of their play in accordance with the score (No fast breaks, no stealing, multiple passes before shots, defense plays inside the 3-pt line, etc.). 
    8. Coaches are responsible to ensure their players recognize and adhere to promoting this sportsmanship.

HBYB Basketball Rules Revised Nov 2023